Soho House makes a play for L.A.

Morton's site undergoing pricey refurbishment

Hollywood players are losing another power eatery as Morton’s will become the L.A. site for Soho House, London’s industry-heavy private members club.

News comes on the heels of the recent shuttering of industry hotspots Trader Vic’s, Delmonico’s and Maple Drive and the temporary closure of CaBrea for remodeling.

Soho House Group founder and CEO Nick Jones confirmed the Morton’s move.

Group is taking a 20-year lease on the property starting in 2008. The building will undergo a $5 million refurbishment reflecting the DNA of the original structure and neighborhood.

The venue will operate as a private members club with an opening slated for winter 2008.

Morton’s, on the corner of Melrose and Robertson in West Hollywood, was often used for awards-season parties, like Lionsgate’s “Crash” salute.

“It’s a famous site in a fantastic location,” said Jones, who has been looking for a permanent L.A. space for some time. “We really want to create something special for the people who live and work in L.A.”

Soho House has been hosting satellite clubs during Academy Awards week for the last four years.

Brand already has clubs operating outside of its London flagship in Gotham, other parts of the U.K. and one in the works in Miami.